Following massive weight loss, the usual first priority is correction of skin looseness of the lower bdy – a lower body-lift. This entails a tummy tuck in the front and an outer thigh lift and buttock lift at the sides and back. This is also known as a circumferential or “belt” lipectomy.

Although the results of a lower body-lift are dramatic and lift changing, patients usually have ongoing concerns regarding skin excess and looseness of the upper body and an upper body-lift may be the logical next step.

An upper body-lift typically combines a breast lift with or without breast implants, along with an arm-lift (brachioplasty) and outer chest wall lift.

You are candidate for an upper body-lift if,

-you have loss a lot of weight either naturally or following bariatric surgery
-you have skin looseness of the arms and around the chest and empty sagging breasst
-skin hangs out in folds beneath your bra at the sides
-you are in good general health.

The results of an upper body-lift, as with a lower body-lift, are dramatic and life transforming in the massive weight loss patient.

The surgery takes around 6 to 7 hours to do and involves a 1 to 2 night hospital stay. 2 to 3 weeks off work are typically required. The recovery of an upper body-lift is far smoother than that of a lower body-lift.

What about risks?

Given you are in good general health, upper body-lift surgery is well tolerated and recovery should be smooth. As with any surgery, risks and complications include:

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*Disclaimer: Results can vary significantly based on individual patient circumstances. Results can also be impacted by a range of factors including patient lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake, overall health and medical history. Consult your plastic surgeon for details. The information on this website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor should it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Risks and complications associated with surgery will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon.